New Delhi: Sri Lanka’s head coach Chris Silverwood and consultant coach Mahela Jayawardene has stepped down on successive days after the team’s disastrous T20 World Cup campaign.
Lanka were knocked out of the group stage after only a win in four matches, making it the the former champions’ worst performance in the tournament.
Silverwood and Jayawardene took ownership of the team’s failure after they had won the T20 Asia Cup in 2022 and reached the final of the 50-over Asia Cup last year to go down to India.
They also notched up a memorable series win against Australia in the 50-over format and two away Test series wins over Bangladesh.
“Being an international coach means long periods away from loved ones. After lengthy conversations with my family and with a heavy heart, I feel it is now time for me to return home (England) and spend some quality time together,” Silverwood said in a statement on Thursday.
“It has been a real honour for me to be part of Sri Lanka Cricket and I will be taking away many fond memories.”
A day before former England pacer Silverwood’s departure, Jayawardene also resigned after two years in the job.
“Jayawardena, during his tenure, helped implement significant changes to the structure of the national team ecosystem and the High-Performance Centre,” Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement.
“Sri Lanka Cricket takes this opportunity to wish Mahela all the best in his future endeavours and thank him for the services he rendered during his tenure.”
Sri Lanka’s next assignment is against India in a white-ball series next in July after which they will travel to England for a two-game Test series.
A coach is expected to be appointed before these two series.
Sri Lanka were knocked out of the group stage after only a win in four matches, their worst performance in T20 World Cup history. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
